The Lost Soul

When I heard that one of my favorite tv series – that I’m crushed to tell you is being canceled at the end of this season – was based on a book series, and that I could review the latest book, I jumped at the chance. 666 Park Avenue has intrigued me, with characters I loved both for the actors who play them and the mysteries surrounding them. Getting more details – and hopefully, clarity – by reading The Lost Soul by Gabriella Pierce sounded ideal.

Except that as I read the book, I am still trying to figure out how the television series can possibly be based on the book series. The only similarities? There is a 666 Park Avenue address. And the main character is named Jane (but not the same last name). It’s much like the difference between Mr. Popper’s Penguins the book and the movie. Both were enjoyable, but they really aren’t the same and comparing them becomes difficult.

Halfway through The Lost Soul, I was still trying to figure out the connection between tv and book. Once I gave up on that and recognized that the television writers worked their “magic” in transforming a book series into a completely different show with no commonality, I relaxed and was able to enjoy the paranormal thriller. Though this is the third novel in the series, reading the first two isn’t critical to understanding what is happening. There is enough information on what has happened in the two prior novels without dwelling on them so much that readers who have enjoyed the entire series would be bored by the reiteration.

In The Lost Soul, Jane Boyle is working to stop her semi-mother-in-law Lynne Doran from taking over the body of her daughter Annette Doran. Lynne is actually one of the original seven witches, Hasina, who stays alive by transporting her soul to the next female in the line. Annette was kidnapped as a child to keep her from Hasina’s clutches as Lynne grew older and Hasina needed a new body. Not knowing that Lynne was a demon, Jane had found Annette in a previous book, and now she needs to stop Lynne before the transfer takes place.

Jane calls in her friends in New York City to help her, from her other witchy friends (descended from another of the seven original witches). Jane also tells her husband – though the marriage was apparently annulled – husband back from hiding to help deal prevent his mother from possessing his sister. There are paranormal battles as Jane takes on the Doran women, and the end of the book shows that there is definitely more to come in the series, as not all is resolved.

The book moves quickly and fortunately isn’t as confusing and convoluted as my quick synopsis suggests. The book is a relatively light read and is a decent addition to the genre. As disappointed as I was to find that the books aren’t the same as the 666 Park Avenue television series on ABC, I’m glad that I took the opportunity to read this book and become acquainted with the original vision created by the author who inspired the series.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received a copy of the book for review purposes. I was not otherwise compensated, and all opinions remain my own.

Written by Michelle who wishes she had half the wealth of any of the characters in The Lost Soul, though she is grateful to not have anywhere near the problems they do. See the minute problems she conquers on a daily basis – without the use of witchcraft – on her blog Honest & Truly! or by following along on Twitter where she is also @HonestAndTruly.